Authors:

Liang ZhaoZheng HuJesse RollXinyan Deng

Our previous work on the aerodynamics of passive flexible flapping wings
showed that there is a strong relationship between the dynamics of trailing
edge and the size of the leading edge vortex, therefore aerodynamic forces.
Here we investigated the aerodynamic effects of active trailing edges. The
experiments were conducted on a model flapping wing in an oil tank. During
static tests, the trailing edge bending angle was held constant from the
angle of attack of the upper portion of the rigid wing. For dynamic cases,
the trailing edge was controlled to flutter with a prescribed frequency and
amplitude. Force measurements and PIV results show that trailing edge
flexion/camber strongly correlates with the leading edge vortex and the
aerodynamic forces. In addition, large instantaneous force variations are
observed in the dynamic fluttering cases, suggesting that trailing edge can
be used for force modulation in MAVs.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2010.DFD.AX.3